upfashioned

upfashioned combines Teresa Mitchell’s passion for creative repurposing, design and construction with her mission to help educate others about sustainable practices and shrinking our ecological footprint.

The fashion industry is renowned for its forward-thinking focus on design and innovative use of natural and human-made fibers. Designers bring opportunities for self-expression to the runway and “Fast Fashion” companies make those designs accessible to a broader audience. But all of this comes at an extraordinary social and environmental cost. The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Ironically, natural fibers have the highest environmental impact including the depletion of natural resources connected to silk production, cotton contributing to water scarcity and wool to greenhouse gas emissions.

The human cost is no less horrifying. Well-known designers, runway models and splashy retail stores and websites put the artistry of fashion on display to appeal to consumers. The reality of clothing production is anything but glamorous. The clothing and textile industries have been riddled with human rights violations for centuries, from child labor to poverty wages to unsafe working conditions in factories scattered around the world.

upfashioned aims to address harmful elements of the fashion industry while celebrating the beauty and enduring quality of extraordinary textiles by giving them a second life, thereby keeping them out of the waste stream and raising awareness of the negative impacts of “Fast Fashion.” Our products include one-of-a-kind pillows to decorate the home, meditation pillows for personal well-being, unique dog jackets, handbags, satchels, totes and wallets, coasters, trivets and table runners and other functional items that celebrate the original garment. All products are created from repurposed clothing and outwear made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, linen, leather and fur. Wherever possible, pillow inserts (down and feather), zippers, buckles and trims are repurposed as well. In addition to the unique, quality fabrics and trims used, every item created by upfashioned strives to honor the people behind the garments: weavers, dyers, designers, pattern makers and sewers. All materials are cleaned and sanitized before repurposing.

Find select items from upfashioned at Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus.